Take-up reel and method of producing the same

ABSTRACT

In a take-up reel ( 10 ) which is for taking up a tape ( 40 ) and which includes a cylindrical reel hub ( 12 ) having a rotation axis (O) and a pair of flanges ( 16, 17 ) attached to opposite ends of the reel hub, each of the pair of flanges having a generally disk-like shape with a circular opening ( 16   a  or  17   a ) formed at a center of each of the pair of flanges, the reel hub and the pair of flanges are assembled by press-fitting without using an adhesive.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a magnetic recording/reproducingapparatus such as a linear tape storage system represented by DLT(digital liner tape) or LTO (linear tape open) and, in particular, to atake-up reel used in the linear tape storage system and a method ofproducing the same.

[0002] A linear tape storage system of the type described has beendeveloped as a backup system for a computer system. A variety of lineartape storage systems have heretofore been proposed. For example, adigital linear tape drive as the DLT is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,862,014 to Nute, entitled “Multi-Channel Magnetic Tape Head ModuleIncluding Flex Circuit”.

[0003] The digital linear tape drive (hereinafter may simply be called“driving apparatus”, “tape drive”, or “drive”) is adapted to receive atape cartridge (hereinafter may simply be called “cartridge”) having asingle reel (supply reel). The digital linear tape drive contains atake-up reel therein. When the tape cartridge is received in the drivingapparatus, a magnetic tape is pulled out from the tape cartridge to betaken up by the take-up reel through a head guide assembly (HGA). Thehead guide assembly serves to guide to a magnetic head the magnetic tape(hereinafter may simply be called “tape”) pulled out from the tapecartridge. The magnetic head exchanges information between the tape andthe magnetic head. Typically, the head guide assembly comprises aboomerang-shaped aluminum plate and a plurality of large guide rollers,six in number, each of which comprises a bearing.

[0004] The head guide assembly is also called a tape guide assemblywhich is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,585 to Saliba,entitled “Rotating Tape Edge Guide.” In addition, an example of theguide roller is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.2000-100025 (JP 2000-100025 A).

[0005] As disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,574 to Cransonet al, entitled “Tape Head Actuator Assembly Having A Shock SuppressionSleeve”, the tape drive typically comprises a generally rectangularhousing having a common base. The base has two spindle motors (reelmotors). The first spindle motor has a spool (take-up reel) permanentlymounted to the base and dimensioned to receive a magnetic tape streamingat a relatively high speed. The second spindle motor (reel motor) isadapted to receive a removable tape cartridge. The removable tapecartridge is manually or automatically inserted into the drive via aslot formed on a housing of the drive. When the tape cartridge isinserted into the slot, the cartridge is engaged with the second spindlemotor (reel motor). Prior to rotation of the first and the secondspindle motors (reel motors), the tape cartridge is connected to thepermanently mounted spool (take-up reel) by means of a mechanicalbuckling mechanism. A number of rollers (guide rollers) are positionedbetween the tape cartridge and the permanently mounted spool and guidethe magnetic tape as it streams at a relatively high speed back andforth between the tape cartridge and the permanently mounted spool.

[0006] The digital linear tape drive of the above-mentioned structurerequires an apparatus for pulling the tape from the supply reel to thetake-up reel. Such a pulling apparatus is disclosed, for example, inInternational Publication No. WO 86/07471. According to the disclosurein WO 86/07471, a first tape leader as take up leader means is coupledto the take-up reel while a second tape leader as supply tape leadermeans is fixed to the tape on the supply reel. The first tape leader hasa tab formed at its one end. The second tape leader has a locking hole.The tab is engaged with the locking hole. The tape leader may be calleda “leader tape”.

[0007] Furthermore, a mechanism for joining the first tape leader to thesecond tape leader is required. Such joining mechanism is disclosed, forexample, in International Publication No. WO 86/07295.

[0008] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-100116 (JP2000-100116 A) discloses a structure of a leader tape engaging partwhich is capable of engaging an end portion of a leader tape (secondtape leader) to a tape end hooking part of a tape cartridge withoutrequiring a tab laterally protruding from the leader tape.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,634 to Hertrich, entitled “Take-up Reel Lock”discloses a locking system for preventing the rotation of a take-up reelof a tape drive when a tape cartridge is not inserted into the drive.

[0010] On the other hand, an example of the tape cartridge to bereceived in the digital linear tape drive is disclosed in JapaneseUnexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-149491 (JP 2000-149491 A).

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,171 to Gaboury, entitled “Leaderless TapeDrive” discloses a tape drive in which a tape leader is urged from atape cartridge to a take-up reel without using a bucking mechanism or atake-up leader.

[0012] The tape drive further comprises a magnetic tape head actuatorassembly. The magnetic tape head actuator assembly is located betweenthe take-up spool and the tape cartridge along a tape path defined bythe rollers. During operation, the magnetic tape streams back and forthbetween the take-up spool and the tape cartridge and comes into closeproximity to the magnetic tape head actuator assembly while the magnetictape streams along the defined tape path. An example of the tape headactuator assembly is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,574 mentionedabove.

[0013] In the meanwhile, the take-up reel mounted on the tape driveserves to take up the leader tape and the magnetic tape and comprises acylindrical reel hub having a rotation axis and a pair of flangesattached to opposite ends of the reel hub. Each of the flanges has agenerally disk-like shape having a circular opening formed at itscenter. In the take-up reel, the reel hub and the flanges are assembledby adhesion using an adhesive.

[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, description will be made in detailabout a related take-up reel 10′.

[0015] The take-up reel 10′ illustrated in the figures is for taking upa tape such as a leader tape and a magnetic tape and comprises acylindrical reel hub 12′ having a rotation axis O and a pair of flanges16′ and 17′ attached to opposite ends 121′ and 122′ of the reel hub 12′,respectively. Hereinafter, one end 121′ and the other end 122′ of thereel hub 12′ will be called a first end and a second end, respectively.Similarly, one flange 16′ and the other flange 17′ will be called afirst flange and a second flange, respectively. The first and the secondflanges 16′ and 17′ have a generally disk-like shape and are providedwith first and second circular openings 16′a and 17′a formed at theircenters, respectively.

[0016] More specifically, the first and the second ends 121′ and 122′ ofthe reel hub 12′ are provided with first and second annular grooves121′a and 122′a, respectively. The first and the second ends 121′ and122′ have inner peripheral surfaces provided with first and secondannular protrusions 121′b and 122′b extending outward in parallel to therotation axis O to protrude slightly over outer peripheral surfacesthereof. The first and the second annular protrusions 121′b and 122′bare provided with first and second slits 121′c and 122′c for positioningthe first and the second flanges 16′ and 17′, respectively.

[0017] On the other hand, the first and the second flanges 16′ and 17′are symmetrical in shape with each other with respect to a virtual planeVP perpendicular to the rotation axis O as a symmetry plane. The firstand the second flanges 16′ and 17′ have first and second disk portions161′ and 171′, respectively. The first and the second disk portions 161′and 171′ have first and second sectorial protrusions 162′ and 172′protruding outward along the rotation axis O, respectively, to be awayfrom the reel hub 12′ when the first and the second flanges 16′ and 17′are assembled with the reel hub 12′. The first and the second sectorialprotrusions 162′ and 172′ are provided for the reason which willpresently be described. As disclosed in WO 86/07471 or WO 86/07295, thesecond leader tape pulled out from the supply reel contained in the tapecartridge has a pair of tabs formed at its forward end to protrude onlateral sides. The first and the second sectorial protrusions 162′ and172′ are formed so that the forward end of the second tape leaderprovided with the tabs can be received in the take-up reel 10′.

[0018] Furthermore, the first and the second flanges 16′ and 17′ havefirst and second annular protrusions 163′ and 173′ formed at innerperipheral edges of the first and the second disk portions 161′ and 171′to protrude inward along the rotation axis O towards the reel hub 12′ sothat the first and the second circular openings 16′a and 17′a aredefined, respectively. The first and the second annular protrusions 163′and 173′ are provided with first and second positioning protrusions163′a and 173′a protruding radially inward to be engageable with thefirst and the second slits 121′c and 122′c of the reel hub 12′,respectively. The first and the second circular openings 16′a and 17′aof the first and the second flanges 16′ and 17′ have diameterssubstantially equal to or slightly greater than outer diameters of thefirst and the second annular protrusions 121′b and 122′b of the reel hub12′, respectively.

[0019] Next, description will be made of a process of assembling thetake-up reel 10′ of the above-mentioned structure. At first, an adhesive(not shown) is supplied in the first and the second annular grooves121′a and 122′a of the reel hub 12′. In this state, the first and thesecond positioning protrusions 163′a and 173′a of the first and thesecond flanges 16′ and 17′ are engaged with the first and the secondslits 121′c and 122′c of the reel hub 12′, respectively, so that thefirst and the second flanges 16′ and 17′ are properly positioned withrespect to the reel hub 12′. Simultaneously, the first and the secondannular protrusions 163′ and 173′ of the first and the second flanges16′ and 17′ are fitted into the first and the second annular grooves121′a and 122′a of the reel hub 12′, respectively. Thus, the take-upreel 10′ is assembled as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0020] At any rate, in the take-up reel 10′, the reel hub 12′ and theflanges 16′ and 17′ are assembled by adhesion using the adhesive.

[0021] Such assembling of the take-up reel 10′ by adhesion using theadhesive is disadvantageous in the following respects. If the adhesivesupplied into the first and the second annular grooves 121′a and 122′aof the reel hub 12′ leaks out, various troubles, such as defectiveadhesion or defective curing, may often be caused to occur. In addition,assembling using the adhesive requires a waiting time before theadhesive is cured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a take-upreel in which a reel hub and a pair of flanges can be assembled withoutusing an adhesive so as to avoid defective adhesion resulting fromassembling using the adhesive.

[0023] It is another object of this invention to provide a take-up reelwhich can be assembled without requiring a step of curing an adhesive soas to reduce a production cost.

[0024] It is still another object of this invention to provide a take-upreel which is improved in accuracy of an outer peripheral part of a reelhub after press-fit assembling.

[0025] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a tapedrive using a take-up reel in which a reel hub and a pair of flanges canbe assembled without using an adhesive.

[0026] It is a further object of this invention to provide a method ofmanufacturing a take-up reel in which a reel hub and a pair of flangescan be assembled without using an adhesive.

[0027] Other objects of this invention will become clear as thedescription proceeds.

[0028] Take-up reels according to this invention, a tape drive accordingto this invention, and a method of manufacturing a take-up reelaccording to this invention are as follows:

[0029] 1) A take-up reel (10) which is for taking up a tape (40) andwhich comprises a cylindrical reel hub (12) having a rotation axis (O)and a pair of flanges (16, 17) attached to opposite ends (12 a, 12 b) ofthe reel hub, each of the pair of flanges having a generally disk-likeshape with a circular opening (16 a, 17 a) formed at a center of each ofthe pair of flanges, wherein the reel hub and the pair of flanges areassembled by press-fitting.

[0030] 2) A take-up reel as described in the paragraph 1), wherein:

[0031] the reel hub (12) comprises an outer cylindrical portion (121)defining an outer peripheral part for receiving the tape wound thereon,an inner cylindrical portion (122) radially inwardly spaced from theouter cylindrical portion for receiving the pair of flanges press-fittedto the inner cylindrical portion, and an annular bridging portion (123)bridging the inner cylindrical portion and the outer cylindricalportion;

[0032] each of the pair of flanges (16, 17) having a disk portion (161,171) extending in parallel to a plane perpendicular to the rotation axisand an annular protrusion (163, 173) formed at an inner peripheral edgeof the disk portion and protruding inward along the rotation axis todefine the circular opening;

[0033] the press-fitting being carried out between the inner cylindricalportion of the reel hub and the annular protrusion of each of the pairof flanges.

[0034] 3) A take-up reel as described in paragraph 2), wherein:

[0035] each of the inner cylindrical portion and the annular protrusionsof the pair of flanges has press-fit guide portions (122 a, 122 b, 163a, 173 a) for carrying out positioning of the pair of flanges in acircumferential direction of the pair of flanges.

[0036] 4) A take-up reel as described in paragraph 2), wherein:

[0037] the circular opening has a diameter substantially equal to orsmaller than that of an outer peripheral surface of the innercylindrical portion;

[0038] the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion andan inner peripheral surface of the annular protrusion of each of thepair of flanges defining press-fit surfaces at which the innercylindrical portion and each of the pair of flanges are press-fitted toeach other on the press-fitting.

[0039] 5) A take-up reel as described in paragraph 4), wherein:

[0040] each of the inner cylindrical portion and the annular protrusionsof the pair of flanges has press-fit guide portions (122 a, 122 b, 163a, 173 a) for carrying out positioning of the pair of flanges in acircumferential direction of the pair of flanges.

[0041] 6) A take-up reel as described in paragraph 5), wherein:

[0042] the press-fit guide portions of the inner cylindrical portion arepress-fit guide grooves (122 a, 122 b) formed on the outer peripheralsurface of the inner cylindrical portion;

[0043] the press-fit guide portions of the annular protrusions of thepair of flanges being press-fit guide protrusions (163 a, 173 a) formedon the inner peripheral surfaces of the annular protrusions of the pairof flanges.

[0044] 7) A tape drive comprising a take-up reel described in any one ofthe paragraphs 1) through 6).

[0045] 8) A method of manufacturing a take-up reel (10) which is fortaking up a tape (40) and which comprises a cylindrical reel hub (12)having a rotation axis (O) and a pair of flanges (16, 17) attached toopposite ends (12 a, 12 b) of the reel hub, each of the pair of flangeshaving a generally disk-like shape with a circular opening (16 a, 17 a)formed at a center of each of the pair of flanges, the method comprisingthe step of assembling the reel hub and the pair of flanges bypress-fitting.

[0046] It will be understood that the above-mentioned reference numeralsenclosed in parentheses are no more than mere examples affixed to helpunderstanding of this invention and do not limit the structure of thisinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0047]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a related take-up reel;

[0048]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the take-up reel illustrated in FIG.1 in an assembled state;

[0049]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a tape drive with a take-up reelaccording to this invention mounted thereon in a state where a top coveris removed;

[0050]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the take-up reelaccording to one embodiment of this invention; and

[0051]FIG. 5 is sectional view of the take-up reel illustrated in FIG. 4in an assembled state.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0052] Now, description will be made of a preferred embodiment of thisinvention with reference to the drawing.

[0053] At first referring to FIG. 3, a take-up reel 10 according to thisinvention is mounted on a tape drive 20. In the figure, a top cover isremoved for convenience of description.

[0054] The tape drive 20 is for receiving a tape cartridge which willpresently be described. The tape drive 20 contains the take-up reel 10therein. The take-up reel 10 may be called a spool. The tape drive 20comprises a generally rectangular housing (chassis) 22 having a commonbase 22 a. The base 22 a has two spindle motors (reel motors) 23 and 24.The first spindle motor has a spool (take-up reel) 10 permanentlymounted to the base 22 a and dimensioned to receive a magnetic tape(later illustrated) streaming at a relatively high speed. The secondspindle motor (reel motor) 24 is adapted to receive a removable tapecartridge. The removable tape cartridge 24 is manually or automaticallyinserted into the drive 20 via a slot 22 b formed on a housing 22 of thedrive 20 in a direction depicted by an arrow A in the figure.

[0055] When the tape cartridge is inserted into the slot 22 b, thecartridge is engaged with the second spindle motor (reel motor) 24.Prior to rotation of the first and the second spindle motors (reelmotors) 23 and 24, the tape cartridge is connected to the permanentlymounted spool (take-up reel) 10 by means of a mechanical bucklingmechanism (not shown). A number of rollers (guide rollers) 25 arepositioned between the tape cartridge and the permanently mounted spool10 and guide the magnetic tape as it streams at a relatively high speedback and forth between the tape cartridge and the permanently mountedspool 10. The housing 22 comprises a sheet metal chassis made of aniron-based magnetic material.

[0056] The tape drive 20 further comprises a magnetic tape head actuatorassembly (hereinafter may simply be referred to as “actuator assembly”)30. The actuator assembly 20 is located between the take-up spool 10 andthe tape cartridge along a tape path (not shown) defined by the rollers25. During operation, the magnetic tape streams back and forth betweenthe take-up spool 10 and the tape cartridge and comes into closeproximity to the actuator assembly 30 while the magnetic tape streamsalong the defined tape path.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, description will be made in detail asregards the take-up reel 10 according to one embodiment of thisinvention.

[0058] The take-up reel 10 illustrated in the figures is for taking up atape 40 such as a leader tape and a magnetic tape and comprises acylindrical reel hub 12 having a rotation axis O and a pair of flanges16 and 17 attached to opposite ends 12 a and 12 b of the reel hub 12,respectively. Hereinafter, one end 12 a and the other end 12 b of thereel hub 12 will be called a first end and a second end, respectively.Similarly, one flange 16 and the other flange 17 will be called a firstflange and a second flange, respectively. The first and the secondflanges 16 and 17 have a generally disk-like shape and are provided withfirst and second circular openings 16 a and 17 a formed at theircenters, respectively.

[0059] In the take-up reel 10, the reel hub 12 and the flanges 16 and 17are assembled by press-fitting (or force-fitting), as will later bedescribed.

[0060] The reel hub 12 comprises an outer cylindrical portion 121extending along the rotation axis O to define an outer peripheral partfor receiving the leader tape and the magnetic tape wound thereon, aninner cylindrical portion 122 extending along the rotation axis O andradially inwardly spaced from the outer cylindrical portion 121 toreceive the flanges 16 and 17 press-fitted (or force-fitted) thereto aswill later be described, and an annular bridging portion 123 bridgingthe inner and the outer cylindrical portions 122 and 121 at theircenters to connect the inner and the outer cylindrical portions 122 and121 to each other. In the illustrated example, an outer peripheralsurface of the inner cylindrical portion 122 defines a press-fit surfaceto be press-fitted to the flanges 16 and 17. In this connection, theouter peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 122 isprovided with first and second press-fit guide grooves 122 a and 122 bformed at the first and the second ends 12 a and 12 b to position thefirst and the second flanges 16 and 17 and to guide press-fitting of thefirst and the second flanges 16 and 17.

[0061] Herein, the outer cylindrical portion 121 has a lengthsubstantially equal to or slightly greater than the width of the leadertape or the magnetic tape taken up by the take-up reel 10. The innercylindrical portion 122 has a length slightly greater than that of theouter cylindrical portion 121. Therefore, the outer cylindrical portion121 of the reel hub 12 defines an assembling height (i.e., the spacebetween the first and the second flanges 16 and 17) upon assembling thereel hub 12 and the first and the second flanges 16 and 17 as isapparent from FIG. 5.

[0062] On the other hand, the first and the second flanges 16 and 17 aresymmetrical in shape with each other with respect to a virtual plane VPperpendicular to the rotation axis O as a symmetry plane. The first andthe second flanges 16 and 17 have first and second disk portions 161 and171 extending in parallel to the virtual plane VP, respectively. Thefirst and the second disk portions 161 and 171 have first and secondsectorial protrusions 162 and 172 protruding outward along the rotationaxis O, respectively, to be away from the reel hub 12 when the first andthe second flanges 16 and 17 are assembled with the reel hub 12. Asdescribed above, the first and the second sectorial protrusions 162 and172 are provided so that a pair of tabs laterally protruding from aforward end of a second leader tape pulled out from a supply reelcontained in the tape cartridge can be received in the tape-up reel 10.The first and the second sectorial protrusions 162 and 172 have innerdiameters substantially similar to the outer diameter of an outerperipheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 121 of the reel hub12. The first and the second disk portions 161 and 171 of the first andthe second flanges 16 and 17 have inner peripheral edges extendingradially inward from the outer cylindrical portion 121 of the reel hub.

[0063] The first and the second flanges 16 and 17 have first and secondannular protrusions 163 and 173 formed at the inner peripheral edges ofthe first and the second disk portions 161 and 171 and protruding inwardalong the rotation axis O towards the reel hub 12 so as to define thefirst and the second circular openings 16 a and 17 a, respectively. Thediameter of an inner peripheral surface of each of the first and thesecond annular protrusions 163 and 173, i.e., the diameter of each ofthe first and the second circular openings 16 a and 17 a of the firstand the second flanges 16 and 17 is substantially equal to or slightlysmaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the innercylindrical portion 122 of the reel hub 12. Thus, the inner surfaces ofthe first and the second annular protrusions 163 and 173 define apress-fit surface of press-fitting with the reel hub 12.

[0064] The first and the second annular protrusions 163 and 173 areprovided with first and second press-fit guide protrusions 163 a and 173a protruding radially inward and inward along the rotation axis O to beengageable with the first and the second press-fit guide groove 122 aand 122 b of the reel hub 12, respectively.

[0065] Next, description will be made of an assembling process of thetake-up reel 10 of the above-mentioned structure. The first and thesecond press-fit guide protrusions 163 a and 173 a of the first and thesecond flanges 16 and 17 are engaged with the first and the secondpress-fit guide grooves 122 a and 122 b of the reel hub 12,respectively, so that the first and the second flanges 16 and 17 arelocated at press-fit positions. In this state, the inner peripheralsurfaces of the first and the second annular protrusions 163 and 173 ofthe first and the second flanges 16 and 17 are brought into frictionalor sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the innercylindrical portion 122 of the reel hub 12. Simultaneously, the firstand the second flanges 16 and 17 are moved inward along the rotationaxis O to be press-fitted to the reel hub 12 until inner surfaces(confronting surfaces) of the first and the second disk portions 161 and171 of the first and the second flanges 16 and 17 are brought intocontact with the first and the second ends 12 a and 12 b of the outercylindrical portion 121 of the reel hub 12, respectively. Thus, thetake-up reel 10 is assembled as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0066] Thus, in the take-up reel 10 according to this invention, thereel hub 12 and the flanges 16 and 17 are assembled by press-fitting.Therefore, the adhesive required in assembling the existing take-up reel10′ is no longer required so that defective adhesion is avoided. As aconsequence, the step of curing the adhesive can be omitted so that theproduction cost is reduced. In the foregoing embodiment, the reel hub 12comprises two separate components, i.e., the outer cylindrical portion121 defining the outer peripheral part of the reel hub 12 and the innercylindrical portion 122 for receiving the flanges 16 and 17 press-fittedthereto. Therefore, even if the inner cylindrical portion 122 of thereel hub 12 is deformed as a result of the press-fitting, the outerperipheral part of the reel hub 12, i.e., the outer cylindrical portion121 is prevented from being affected by such deformation. As aconsequence, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the outerperipheral part of the reel hub 12 after press-fit assembling.Furthermore, the reel hub 12 is provided with the first and the secondpress-fit guide grooves 122 a and 122 b while the first and the secondflanges 16 and 17 are provided with the first and the second press-fitguide protrusions 163 a and 173 a, respectively. Therefore, it is easyto position the flanges 16 and 17 in a circumferential direction uponpress-fitting.

[0067] While this invention has thus far been described in conjunctionwith the preferred embodiment thereof, it will readily be understoodthat this invention can be modified in various other manners withoutbeing restricted to the foregoing embodiment. For example, in theforegoing embodiment, the flanges 16 and 17 are press-fitted to the reelhub 12 at the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion122 of the reel hub 12. Alternatively, press-fitting may be performed atthe inner peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 122. Inthe foregoing embodiment, press-fit guide portions for positioningcomprises the press-fit guide protrusions 163 a and 173 a formed on theflanges 16 and 17 as protruding portions and the press-fit guide grooves122 a and 122 b formed on the reel hub 12 as depressed portions. On thecontrary, the depressed portions may be formed on the flanges 16 and 17while the protruding portions may be formed on the reel hub 12.

[0068] As is obvious from the foregoing description, the reel hub andthe flanges are assembled by press-fitting. Therefore, no adhesive isrequired so that defective adhesion is avoided. Furthermore, the step ofcuring the adhesive is omitted so that the production cost is reduced.Since the reel hub comprises two separate components, i.e., the outercylindrical portion defining the outer peripheral part and the innercylindrical portion for receiving the flanges press-fitted thereto,deformation of the inner cylindrical portion of the reel hub resultingfrom the press-fitting is prevented from being transmitted to the outerperipheral part of the reel hub. As a consequence, it is possible toimprove the accuracy of the outer peripheral part of the reel hub afterpress-fit assembling.

What is claimed is:
 1. A take-up reel which is for taking up a tape andwhich comprises a cylindrical reel hub having a rotation axis and a pairof flanges attached to opposite ends of said reel hub, each of said pairof flanges having a generally disk-like shape with a circular openingformed at a center of each of said pair of flanges, wherein said reelhub and said pair of flanges are assembled by press-fitting.
 2. Atake-up reel as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said reel hub comprises anouter cylindrical portion defining an outer peripheral part forreceiving said tape wound thereon, an inner cylindrical portion radiallyinwardly spaced from said outer cylindrical portion for receiving saidpair of flanges press-fitted to said inner cylindrical portion, and anannular bridging portion bridging said inner cylindrical portion andsaid outer cylindrical portion; each of said pair of flanges having adisk portion extending in parallel to a plane perpendicular to saidrotation axis and an annular protrusion formed at an inner peripheraledge of said disk portion and protruding inward along said rotation axisto define said circular opening; said press-fitting being carried outbetween the inner cylindrical portion of said reel hub and the annularprotrusion of each of said pair of flanges.
 3. A take-up reel as claimedin claim 2, wherein: each of said inner cylindrical portion and theannular protrusions of said pair of flanges has press-fit guide portionsfor carrying out positioning of said pair of flanges in acircumferential direction of said pair of flanges.
 4. A take-up reel asclaimed in claim 2, wherein: said circular opening has a diametersubstantially equal to or smaller than that of an outer peripheralsurface of said inner cylindrical portion; the outer peripheral surfaceof said inner cylindrical portion and an inner peripheral surface of theannular protrusion of each of said pair of flanges defining press-fitsurfaces at which said inner cylindrical portion and each of said pairof flanges are press-fitted to each other on said press-fitting.
 5. Atake-up reel as claimed in claim 4, wherein: each of said innercylindrical portion and the annular protrusions of said pair of flangeshas press-fit guide portions for carrying out positioning of said pairof flanges in a circumferential direction of said pair of flanges.
 6. Atake-up reel as claimed in claim 5, wherein: the press-fit guideportions of said inner cylindrical portion are press-fit guide groovesformed on the outer peripheral surface of said inner cylindricalportion; the press-fit guide portions of the annular protrusions of saidpair of flanges being press-fit guide protrusions formed on the innerperipheral surfaces of the annular protrusions of said pair of flanges.7. A tape drive comprising a take-up reel claimed in any one of claims 1through
 6. 8. A method of manufacturing a take-up reel which is fortaking up a tape and which comprises a cylindrical reel hub having arotation axis and a pair of flanges attached to opposite ends of saidreel hub, each of said pair of flanges having a generally disk-likeshape with a circular opening formed at a center of each of said pair offlanges, said method comprising the step of assembling said reel hub andsaid pair of flanges by press-fitting.